MONROVIA – Amid increasing debate over whether funds should be allocated for lawmakers to undertake legislative projects within their respective constituencies beyond their wages, House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa argues that the move is justified.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the District 7 Vocational Training Center, owned and managed by the Emmanuel Dahn Foundation, Speaker Koffa commended Rep. Emmanuel Dahn for the “meaningful” project aimed at building the capacity of over a thousand citizens in his district. He stated that projects like the training center illustrate the necessity of budget support for lawmakers to empower their constituents and improve their lives.
“The project we are witnessing here today is not the project of the Ministry of Education, nor the Government of Liberia,” Speaker Koffa said. “It is a project of an individual with a vision who says, ‘In my district, I don’t want to distribute money every day; I want to empower my constituents.’ Look at the building we just unveiled. Do we expect Hon. Dahn to build this out of his own salary? Do we expect him to accomplish these things with his own salary while the national budget accomplishes other things for others? No.”
Over the years, opinions have been divided on the allocation of additional funds for lawmakers’ projects within their electoral districts. In the 54th Legislature, lawmakers allocated US$30,000 for legislative projects, which was not subject to audit and was given directly to lawmakers. This practice was met with public outcry and was abolished after two disbursements.
Now, in the 55th Legislature, members of the House of Representatives and Senate have allotted US$13.2 million in the 2024 fiscal budget for “Legislative Projects.” Each of the 73 Representatives was allotted US$100,000 for district development funds, while Senators will receive US$150,000 each. Critics argue that this allocation is another scheme for lawmakers to enrich themselves and deprive the country and its people of essential services.
However, the lawmakers disagree, asserting that the move will promote decentralization and grassroots development. Unlike directly disbursing the money to individual lawmakers, the Liberia Agency of Community Empowerment (LACE) is tasked with implementing these projects, with oversight responsibilities delegated to appointed Oversight Committees from both chambers. At the House, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah chairs the committee.
Speaker Koffa, who championed the fund allocation for legislative projects, said that contrary to critics’ assertions, budgetary support for lawmakers will significantly impact their constituents. He noted that across the country, many of his colleagues have used their personal earnings to undertake meaningful projects, including bridges, roads, and clinics.
“To our critics, let’s be fair. We can accomplish this when lawmakers, who are visionaries in their districts, take the lead in district development and empowerment,” he said.
He added, “Your lawmakers in your various districts are accomplishing great things, and I believe the budget of the Republic of Liberia, which is meant to sustain the people of the Republic, should be rightfully used by lawmakers in their districts for these kinds of accomplishments.”
He thanked Rep. Dahn of Montserrado District #7, who chairs the House Committee on Executive, for the initiative and called on the graduates to use their skills to improve their lives.